CONVERSIONS

PENALTIES

Bordeaux-Begles v London Irish - Amlin Challenge Cup preview

London Irish have handed starts to both Guy Armitage and Chris Hala'ufia for Saturday's Amlin Challenge Cup trip to Bordeaux-Begles.

Armitage is back with the Exiles on a season-long loan having departed the club earlier in the summer to join brothers Delon and Steffon at Toulon.

He will now make his first start for the club since returning as he lines up in the centres with England intrenational Jonathan Joseph at Stade Andre Moga.

Number eight Hala'ufia - who received an 11-week ban after a high tackle against Racing Metro in European competition last season - also makes his first start of the campaign as he lines up in the visitors' back row with Ofisa Treviranus and Jamie Gibson.

Bordeaux head into the match after a poor start to the season domestically, the French outfit are currently second bottom of the Top 14 standings having managed just two so far.

They were beaten on their home patch by Toulouse last time out, but London Irish Director of Rugby Brian Smith is still expecting a tough encounter.

"Playing away to a Top 14 side is always a challenge," stated Smith. "Bordeaux lost narrowly to Toulouse last weekend and will be a tough opponent at home.

"We were delighted with the way we performed last weekend against Northampton and it is important we build on that performance tomorrow evening."